Botox Injections for Wrinkles


Botulinum Toxin (Botox) is a toxin produced by bacteria called Clostridium botulinum.

The drug works by decreasing nerve signals to muscles, which helps them to relax.

It is considered non-surgical cosmetic therapy to treat wrinkles mainly in the frown lines (mid forehead), crow’s feet (side of eyes/cheeks), and Neck folds.

Botox also used in treating excessive sweating in armpit and hands (Hyperhidrosis).

 

Botulinum toxin is mixed with saline (salt water) and injected. You may receive 5 to 10 injections serially into a group of muscle which controls frowning and wrinkling with a very fine needle attached to a small syringe.

 

When treating frown lines the toxin is injected to a group of muscles just above the eyebrows. The toxin is also injected into a muscle at the bridge of the nose.

When treating crow’s feet (side of eyes/cheeks),   the toxin is injected serially at several points into the muscles causing the wrinkles at the sides of the eye.

The procedure takes only a few minutes. It is a relatively painless.

After the treatment you should remain upright for 3 to 4 hours. During this period you must try to move the muscles that have been injected as much as possible to activate the effect of the toxin on the muscle. Do not rub the skin or muscles on or around the injected site.

The anti-wrinkling effect sets in within three to four days after the injection. By the second week full relaxation of the wrinkling muscle will take place. The anti-wrinkling effect of Botulinum Toxin lasts for 4-8 months only. There is individual variation. Gradually the wrinkling muscle function returns and wrinkles reappear. When this happens a repeat treatment is necessary to maintain the desired results.

Botulinum Toxin injection is a relatively safe procedure. Side-effects are uncommon. They are usually related to the injection procedure itself. There may be slight discomfort from the needle prick and a small chance of a bruise developing around the injection site. Transient headaches may occur.

If you want to get rid of the wrinkles the dermatologist will decide the best way to do that. Usually combination of Botox and fillers depending on type and location of the wrinkles.